Is Medicare Florida Different Than Medicare Elsewhere?

Helpful facts about the Medicare Florida program and its role in the US political sphere.

Is the Medicare Florida system any different from Medicare in other states? With the focus on Florida and its health care system in the wake of the Obama-Romney presidential race, many people can be confused as to the specifics of the Medicare program in Florida, and whether it somehow offers different coverage than programs in other states. This article will answer these questions and provide information on Medicare both in Florida and across the United States.

Is Medicare Florida different?

In short, no. Medicare Florida, in terms of coverage offered to its insured, is no different from Medicare across the United States. This is because Medicare acquires its funding from the federal government, not from individual states. This means that someone who is eligible for Medicare will receive the same coverage in Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, or Miami as they would in Los Angeles, Boston, or Portland. Any US citizen can receive Medicare so long as they meet federal guidelines of eligibility.

Why Florida?

If the Medicare Florida program is no different than Medicare in other states, why does Florida receive so much attention in the news whenever national health care is discussed? This has to do with the overlap between the demographics of Florida and the targeted beneficiaries of Medicare. Because Medicare is primarily designed as a means of insuring citizens over 65 years of age, any changes to the program have widespread implications for Florida, where according to the 2011 U.S. Census 17.6% of the citizens fall within this age bracket. When this percentage is compared against the national average of 13.3%, it becomes clear that the elderly represent a significant proportion of Florida’s population. This makes capturing the good favor of Floridians over 65 crucial in securing the votes of the state as a whole, which is why Medicare in Florida receives increased attention during election periods.